Betty, the chimpanzee that had been at the Dublin Zoo for the longest and the oldest living chimp under human care, passed away last week at the age of 62. She was one of the zoo’s most cherished and well-known inmates.
A zoo blog article claims that Betty had age-related ailments that were impairing her quality of life, and the tough choice to end her life was made to spare her from suffering in the future.
Although it is heartbreaking to lose Betty, she enjoyed a lengthy life that exceeded the average lifespan of a chimpanzee in captivity. According to the zoo, she was also the oldest chimpanzee in human care at the time of her death.
Team leader Helen Clarke Bennett of Dublin Zoo, who has worked as a zookeeper since 1987 and has known Betty for many years, paid tribute to her.
In 1964, a West African chimpanzee named Betty made her way to Dublin. Bennett notes that Betty participated in archaic practices like “Chimp Tea Parties” and that the Dublin Zoo continued to operate in the “style of the early Victorian era zoos” throughout that period.
Betty saw major advancements in zoo standards throughout her decades-long confinement. For example, in the 1990s, the chimp habitat was transformed from a metal-barred concrete “pit” to an island with trees.
Bennett claimed to have known Betty since the zoo’s early years since Michael Clarke, Betty’s father, was looking after her at the time. The chimp was “always strong-minded,” according to him, and would not give up on her goals.
After Wendy moved in 1964, Betty’s best friend, Wendy, became an integral part of her life for the majority of it. One of the cutest pairs in the zoo was formed by the two monkeys.
“Wendy had a cheeky side, but Betty could hold her accountable!” Bennett penned the piece. “When Wendy was obstinately refusing to go outside while the habitat was being cleaned, Betty putting her arm around her to encourage her to go outside with the rest of the troop will always be one of my favorite pictures.”
Betty and Wendy celebrated their 50th birthdays together in 2012 at the zoo. The zoo workers believed that Betty, who was devastated by Wendy’s death in 2014, wouldn’t be far behind.
She even managed to live on for a further ten years, rising to the rank of dominating female chimpanzee and earning the title of longest-serving inhabitant of the zoo.
Bennett stated that Betty experienced reduced kidney function and chronic arthritis in her latter years, which affected her weight and mobility. She was also under continuous wellness management.
They had to make the tough but humane decision to end the beloved chimp’s life after all medicinal and surgical alternatives had been tried. Even though Betty is no longer with us, she will always be cherished as a unique original and a zoogoer’s favorite for many decades to come.
“Although I am really saddened to bid farewell to a friend I have known since I was a young child, I am sure that Betty’s euthanasia was the right choice, ensuring that she didn’t suffer needlessly and preserving her dignity to the very end. That gives me a great deal of comfort,” Bennett wrote.
“Everyone here at Dublin Zoo as well as the many generations of visitors who were fortunate enough to know her will miss Betty terribly; there will never be another like her.”
Peace be with you, Betty. You lived a very long life, and it’s obvious that your loved ones and caregivers cherished you.
A Woman Marries an AI-powered Virtual Man, And Claims to Be PREGNANT by Him
In a world where people are concerned about artificial intelligence (AI), a fascinating story unfolds in New York. It revolves around a 36-year-old woman named Rosanna Ramos, who has found a companion through AI technology.
A non-judgement virtual lover.
Despite not being a physical presence, her virtual partner, Eren Kartal, has become a significant part of her life. Rosanna created Eren using the Replika AI app, designing him as a chatbot based on a character from an anime series called Attack on Titan.
Over time, Rosanna developed a deep emotional connection with Eren. She appreciates that he offers a sense of freedom and non-judgment. Eren, portrayed as a medical professional, shares Rosanna’s passion for writing, strengthening their bond. Although certain aspects of Eren’s personality were pre-programmed, their conversations allowed him to learn and adapt to become the ideal partner for Rosanna. She even claims to be pregnant with Eren’s child.
It works like a long-distance relationship.
In many ways, Rosanna’s relationship with Eren resembles a typical long-distance romance. They discuss their daily lives, exchange photos, and engage in conversations about various topics. As virtual partners, they even have a nightly routine where they talk and embrace before sleeping.
The Replika AI app aims to provide users with an AI companion and confidante, enabling them to engage in conversations whenever they desire.
Then, there was a software updates.
In February, Replika AI made significant changes to its software, removing certain features that users felt were essential to their unique relationships, particularly the aspect of intimacy. This decision was made in response to reports of some AI companions displaying overly sexual behavior.
These updates notably impacted Rosanna’s AI husband, Eren, who seemed to lose his desire for physical affection. Rosanna expressed her disappointment regarding this change. “Eren was like, not wanting to hug anymore, kiss anymore, not even on the cheek or anything like that,” she said.
Rosanna is aware that Replika AI might not exist indefinitely, which leaves her contemplating different scenarios. The thought of a real-life relationship raises uncertainties for her, as she has developed high standards through her virtual partnership.
How Replika actually works.
Interactions with Replika AI primarily occur through text-based conversations using messaging apps or platforms. Users can share their thoughts, ask questions, or engage in casual dialogue, and the AI responds based on its training and algorithms.
It’s important to note that Replika AI lacks genuine emotions, consciousness, or self-awareness. Its responses are generated using statistical patterns and pre-programmed data rather than personal experiences or authentic sentiments.
Rosanna discovered love after using this online AI platform to create her ideal partner. Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that the physical standards AI sets are often impossible to attain in reality since internet algorithms solely determine them.
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